Chapter 22

Stella watched Arthur's moment of vulnerability with a pang of helplessness. Something about seeing him so brokenhearted didn't sit right with her. Hesitating, she said, "I know I might be crossing a line here, Mr. Forsyth, but have you thought about talking things out with Cindy? Is there any chance Celeste… could be your daughter?" Arthur gave a hollow chuckle and shook his head. "No, I wish she were." Stella was too young to understand the depth of sorrow and regret in his sigh. It was a guilt he'd carry with him for the rest of his life. "It's a fracture," the doctor said, examining Arthur's injuries and studying his face. "Are you running a fever?" He reached to check Arthur's forehead, but Arthur stopped him with a polite gesture. He knew all too well that his fever was the result of the pills he'd overdosed on earlier that morning and the chill he'd caught while standing by the open window. With a dismissive nod, he said, "I'll deal with the cast later. Right now, there ar